Public anger is swelling across Ondo State as residents, civic groups, and social media users lash out at the State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. (Dr.) Johnson Alabi, over his defense of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) in the wake of an alleged secret tariff hike.
Alabi had dismissed reports of a hidden electricity increment, claiming that some consumers were merely migrated from lower service bands to Band A, which attracts higher rates.
But the explanation has provoked widespread criticism, with residents accusing the commissioner of working for BEDC instead of protecting the people’s interests.
Residents, Groups React Angrily
From Akure to Owo, residents have described the commissioner’s defense as “insensitive,” “untrue,” and “a betrayal of public trust.”
Mr. Adeola Ipinlaye of Alagbaka said his power token value dropped drastically.
“₦100,000 that used to give thousands of units now gives barely 300. It’s daylight robbery,” he said.
Another resident, Olaniyi Oluwole, faulted the arbitrary customer migration.
“You don’t just move customers to a higher band without notice. What if they don’t need that long hours of supply? Meter everyone and let people vend based on their needs,” he said.
Segun Olajide had also taken to Facebook to lambast the commissioner, saying:
“Dear Engr. Johnson Alabi, you’re not working for the people but for BEDC. You’re moving residents from one band to another without providing poles, wires, or transformers. The only thing we’ve seen from your office is prepaid meters — which is the least. Kindly do more by compelling BEDC to carry out their responsibilities. And please fact-check your claim of ₦209 per kWh; residents are being charged ₦227.3.”
Adding his voice, Olamiposi Obajuluwa condemned the commissioner’s “false claims” of improved electricity supply.
“It’s obvious our Commissioner is not working for the good people of Ondo State but for BEDC and a few selfish individuals. He said there’s regular light — that’s a lie from the pit of hell! In my hometown, Owo, we barely get three hours of power at midnight. Let him remember that power is transient. He should fear God,” Obajuluwa fumed.
Commissioner Fires Back
In a surprising twist, the commissioner personally replied to Segun Olajide’s post, defending his position and insisting that the state government has acted within its regulatory powers.
“Segun Olajide, it’s unfortunate that a lot of people, including you, are not facing the new reality. Ondo State has since taken over electricity regulation, and the Ondo State Electricity Regulatory Bureau (OSERB) reserves the right to set electricity tariffs,” Alabi wrote.
He explained that the adjustments were “not a tariff hike” but “an upgrade of bands” to reflect improved supply, adding that residents must be ready to pay for better service or manage their consumption.
“The essence of prepaid meters is to help citizens reduce estimated billing and increase electricity availability. These two goals have been achieved, though we can still improve,” he added, maintaining that the Aiyedatiwa-led government has done “enough” to improve the sector.
Public Confidence Wavers
Despite his clarification, critics say the commissioner’s tone was dismissive and further widened the gap between government and the people.
“The commissioner’s response only proved the public right — he’s defending BEDC instead of addressing citizens’ hardship,” said Comrade Bamidele Adigun of the Ondo Consumer Protection Movement.
Consumer rights groups have vowed to petition the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) for a full probe, alleging that the so-called “band upgrade” is a veiled tariff increase that violates consumers’ rights.
As the backlash continues, residents are urging Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to intervene and call BEDC and state regulators to order before the growing anger spirals into street protests.
“We are tired of paying more for darkness,” said Mrs. Kemi Ogunjobi. “If this is the new reality, then it’s a cruel one.”
